Scott Down & DJ Cutler – UBB
February 8, 2010
Like the scores of musical sounds and ideas it is meticulously crafted from, Ultimate Breaks and Beatles belongs to nobody yet everybody. Composed of crates upon crates of Beatles records, obscure covers of Beatles songs, the entire 25 volume Ultimate Breaks and Beats series and plenty more, it is a celebration of record collecting, DJing, hip hop music, and above all, the unparalleled resonance and influence of both the almighty Beatles and the almighty Ultimate Breaks and Beats series. In the tradition of its two titanic subjects, the mix defies genre; at once spanning, re-contextualizing, and transcending everything from classical to blues to jazz to rock to rap in just over and hour. Unlike your neighborhood hipster laptop DJ’s latest trendy “mash ups”, there was absolutely no software, sequencers, or techno used here–just a ton of vinyl, two turntables, a mixer, and an 8 track…
Start your week with a smile courtesy of Scott Down & DJ Cutler’s fun Beatles vs Ultimate Breaks & Beats mix. If your the vinyl buying type, then don’t miss their UBB tribute 7″ on Lo Do Records. Breakbeat Lenny would be grooving out in heaven!!
Jaylib vs J.Rocc
February 5, 2010
The friendly people at Stones Throw have now decided to give this mix away as a free download. It was previously available on promo CD in 2003 and the Jaylib bit of the mix was on the fan club 45 for their LP. I am happy owner of the CD and I reckon you check this as its J.Rocc mixing up Dilla and Madlib beats…..
Mos Def & Benji B on 1xtra 17-01-2010
February 1, 2010
Benji B drops some of Mos Def’s finest musical moments plus has some interesting talks with the man about the making of The Ecstatic, Brooklyn, the legendary DJ J Rocc, Blackstarr doing some singles, Dilla’s legacy and even playing the timpani. The last hour of the 3 hour session is filled with Mos Def’s selection. Big up to Kareem over at nobodydancenomore for recording this show. A big download at 250mb but it’s raw and enlightening.
Mr. Beatnick – The Fourth Day / Fallin Apples
January 31, 2010
This 7″ dropped later last year on Futuristica Music and its well worth checking because its by Mr Beatnick. He caught my attention a good 2 or 3 years ago when his SOS re-edit appeared. He is one of the best contemporary beat makers in the UK and this release is no exception. 4th day is a beautiful sample based journey of sound and colour. Fallin Apples is on the flip, which is a crunchier track that Mr Beatnick flexes his production muscles, but still manages to pack the tune with plenty of emotion. If only Mr Beatnick spent less time on twitter and more time making beats, as almost everything of his put out on wax has been brilliant.
Full Crate & Mar – Conversations With Her
January 26, 2010
Melting Pot Records ain’t messing about on the release tip, coming with it each and every single. This time round is the young duo, producer Full Crate and singer Mar out of Amsterdam. There is some super sexxy neo soul, late night vibes going on this 12″, with guest Eric Roberson even laying down some vocals on She Was Fly (my favourite cut on the release is actually the version without him). Warm, deep and e s sensual ……..
They are scheduled to do a Hi-Hat Club release so we have that to look forward too!!
Freedom, Rhythm & Sound
January 24, 2010
I am still finding my way with Jazz music. Its such a general term to describe music that originated in the turn of the last century in African American communities in the Southern United States. What I find so fascinating about this music apart from the fact that some of it sounds great, is that it had so much relevance in peoples lives and has such a great history.
Late last year Gilles Peterson & Stuart Baker put together a book of LP covers from spiritual jazz LP’s from 1963-1982 and recently dropped the CD/LP that coincided. The 1st sentence on the back of the cover sums up what the compilation is all about .. features works of revolutionary jazz artists who matched the creation of new radical music with values of self detrmination and self-empowerment. This effected how they lived their lives & how they negotiated ownership and control of their music.
This is not your average Jazz compilation as its compiled by 2 connoisseurs who have dug out some extra special bits in their collections for this release. It’s out now on double CD & Vinyl on Soul Jazz Records. Do check the podcast for an insight into the project…
Simon S – A Free Soul / Situations (Re-edit)
January 23, 2010
Music & total creation have always been my motivation. It has been my saviour & my guide. To it I owe my high and my pain. The movement of sound and colors through my mind has reached my fingers. They move with love & desire equal to that of a new born child’s passion for Nature & Growth. I hold the faith that Art & Passion shall overcome all. - John Klemmer. 1976.
Soulclap is back after the long hiatus. Simon S is still on the re-edit duties, this time taking on the wonderful Free Soul by saxophone player John Klemmer. He has basically left the main hooks from the original tune, beefed the drums up a touch and sprinkled a couple of vocal samples to give it that golden era feel. The flip has some Ed OG acapella laced nicely over a big David Axelrod sample. Word on the street is that only 500 copies were pressed, so I am thinking I might pick up another copy this week before they are all gone…..
Tribe – Rebirth
January 17, 2010
Tribe started a band, a recording company, and a magazine in Detroit in the early 1970’s. They were a legendary political, social, and aesthetic collective in this time. Bizarre enough as it is, techno legend Carl Craig has gotten some of the key players together to produce the groovy Rebirth album. The LP keeps the 70’s spiritual jazz up to date with a deeply respectful finish. It comes on heavyweight double vinyl with a gatefold cover. This LP is something I randomly stumbled over a few weeks back and has blown my hair back big time. A serious contender for the best Jazz LP of 2010 or late entry for last year.
Happy New Year
January 1, 2010
My best wishes to everyone for the new year. I had planned to do a top 10 for 2009 but its kinda pointless because all of the music I recommend on here is special to me in some way or another and there was clearly a truck load of outstanding releases. I have just decided to pick my tune of the year, that being Promise In Love by Mitsu & Jose James.
The next edition of the Rollocast will hopefully be sooner rather than later….
